Powdery mildew is the number one plant pest in rose beds. It also doesn't stop at many vegetable plants - much to the annoyance of many gardeners. Are you also struggling with the annoying parasite? Before resorting to aggressive chemical agents, you should try to ward off the pest with milk. The following guide will provide you with relevant information.

Lactic acid bacteria are a great home remedy for mildew

mode of action

Powdery mildew is caused by a fungus that does not tolerate acid. The microorganisms contained in milk are lactic acid bacteria, which cause precisely this aversion. For this reason, buttermilk or other liquid milk products are also suitable for combating.
Milk also contains sodium phosphate, which strengthens the plants' own defences. You don't have to use the milk mixture until there is an acute infestation, but can spray the plant with it as a preventive measure.

Powdery mildew and downy mildew

Powdery mildew comes in two types. Unfortunately, milk only works against powdery mildew. In contrast to downy mildew, you can recognize it by the white spots on the upper side of the leaf, which turn brown after a while. Downy mildew, on the other hand, spreads on the underside of the leaf. If the latter or even both leaf sides are affected, you have to resort to an alternative crop protection. The larvae of the fungal ladybird, also known as the twenty-two-spot ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata), feed on both types of mildew, for example.

Make the solution

  1. mix milk (or any milk drink) with water in a ratio of 1:9
  2. fill the solution in a spray bottle
  3. spray the affected plant with the mixture every few days
  4. In order to prevent the pest from spreading, it is advisable to also spray neighboring plants with the milk-water solution

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Care tips